Last tests for the David's Sling air defense system completed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems 42212152.

David’s Sling can intercept short-range to medium-range rockets and ballistic missiles, including guided projectiles, cruise missiles, aircraft and drones. Its range of coverage means it can destroy incoming threats over enemy territory, away from Israeli skies.

“In trials, the system’s capabilities were tested in a number of scenarios that simulate the threats it was designed to deal with,” the Defense Ministry said. Target missiles were fired, which were detected by a multi-mission radar that transmitted the coordinates to a fire-control center, which fired David’s Sling interceptors.

“The missiles were successfully fired, and carried out all of the flight stages, destroying the targets as planned,” the Defense Ministry said. Yair Ramati, director of the Israel Missile Defense Organization, said multiple mock targets were hit in the trial. The successful trials will “enable us to go to the next stage of development.

This weapons system is ripe and ready. The result is excellent. We have an efficient, fast, deadly missile,” he added. Shlomo S. (full name withheld), head of the David’s Sling program at Rafael, added, “This is the first time technology of this kind has been used.

The officials added that a core unit from the air defense branch of the IAF is being trained to use the system, and took part in the latest trial. “The emphasis is on guided, maneuvering threats carrying dozens of kilograms of warheads, which are highly destructive,” Shlomo said.

The system has entered the production stage. David’s Sling will be based in two national sites, and its launch sites will be mobile.

The system was described by defense officials on Monday as “new and revolutionary in the family of interceptors in the world,” enabling greater efficiency in dealing with aerial threats, as part of a multi-layered defense coverage that includes Iron Dome, Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 air defense batteries.